SPF Board of Ed Candidates Debate in Scotch Plains, NJ

Seven candidates for the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education took questions at a forum Tuesday night at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. Voters choose on Tuesday, November 3.

Two Scotch Plains seats and one Fanwood seat are on the ballot. In Scotch Plains, incumbents Christina St. Hillaire and Sonali Barve face Jennifer Martinez and Eric Fellen. In Fanwood, Scott Pierce, Tom Rozycki, and Gina Walsh are all running as write in candidates. Union County Life is covering the race so Scotch Plains and Fanwood voters can compare the field.

On the district’s roughly $132 million operating budget, Barve said the district has avoided a deficit and pointed to the LaGrande Park project as a success for students. She said any cuts should stay as far from students as possible. Martinez pointed to an estimated $8.5 million in available funds. Fellen said the district is spending too much on facilities. Rozycki said the board should be clear about what is driving budget pressure. Walsh said she would prioritize classroom instruction, building maintenance, and cost effective materials.

On bullying, about 80% of harassment, intimidation, and bullying complaints in the district are found to be unfounded. Martinez said that number alone doesn’t show whether the process works, and that policies must still support students with real cases. On technology, Fellen credited cell phone bans with helping students connect, Pierce said he supports technology that helps students learn, Walsh favored hands on math, and Rozycki called for balance. Barve described universal busing as costly, at $80,000 to $100,000 per route, while Fellen named more busing and better drop offs as goals.

In closing, Barve cited her experience as an alumna, teacher, board member, and parent. Rozycki, who moved to town 20 years ago for the schools, offered three questions for every decision: does it serve students, can it be explained clearly, and does it use public money wisely. Pierce described the district as a community asset that affects home values. Walsh, a teacher for more than 30 years, said she wants to keep the district’s momentum. Stay informed about Scotch Plains and Fanwood news and announcements on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: www.scotchplainsnj.gov

FAQ:

Q: Who is running for the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education in 2026?
A: For two Scotch Plains seats, the candidates are incumbents Christina St. Hillaire and Sonali Barve, plus Jennifer Martinez and Eric Fellen. For one Fanwood seat, Scott Pierce, Tom Rozycki, and Gina Walsh are running as write in candidates.

Q: When is the Scotch Plains-Fanwood school board election?
A: The election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Q: Where was the candidate forum held?
A: The forum was held at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.

Q: What issues did the candidates discuss?
A: Candidates discussed the roughly $132 million budget, building repairs, bullying complaints, special education, classroom technology, the school calendar, and busing costs.

Q: Where can I find more Scotch Plains and Fanwood election coverage?
A: Union County Life covers school board races, candidate forums, and local election news across Union County. Visit unioncountylife.com for more.